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District unveils student and staff AI survey findings, plans digital-literacy push
Summary
Tri-County's technology lead presented survey results showing high student exposure to AI, widespread confusion among younger pupils, and staff concerns about data accuracy and loss of critical thinking; the district will roll out building-level AI teams and digital-literacy lessons.
Mrs. Kelly, the district's technology lead, told the board the district has begun a multidisciplinary AI committee and a cybersecurity assessment with Purdue and Indiana University and reported survey results from students and staff across grade bands. She said elementary classes largely showed confusion about what AI is, fifth- and sixth-grade students reported 84% usage of AI tools, and high schoolers most often use AI for hobbies rather than schoolwork.
"At the high school that's kind of what you heard — it helps me learn faster," Mrs. Kelly said, summarizing older students' responses, while adding that only 17% of high school students said they always check whether AI output is correct. For fifth and sixth graders, she said, "84% of those fifth and sixth graders said yes" when asked whether they had used AI tools.
Staff responses, Mrs. Kelly said, emphasized concern about data accuracy (70%+) and loss of critical thinking (a majority across staff groups). Elementary teachers strongly rejected placing personally identifiable information into AI tools. "We have a lot to teach them still," she said of younger students.
Based on the surveys and professional development the committee completed, Mrs. Kelly recommended next steps: districtwide digital-literacy lessons tailored to grade levels, formation of building-level AI teams to localize training and policy implementation, and continued alignment of school handbooks and Neola policies to govern classroom AI use. She also noted the district used AI to help craft some survey questions for younger students.
The presentation also included operational updates tied to technology: a final walkthrough with vendor Piper before access-control changeovers and ongoing efforts on returning-student registration forms. Board members asked clarifying questions about how the district will embed AI principles into instruction and oversight; Mrs. Kelly said administrators Diane and Lindsay will lead curriculum work with building teams.
The board did not take a formal vote on policy at this meeting; Mrs. Kelly said the material will inform committee work and future handbook language.
